Events - Event View
This is the "Event Detail" view, showing all available information for this event.
If the event has passed, click the "Event Report" icon to read a report and view photos that were uploaded.
SEMINAR - DNA Decoded: Expert Strategies for Family History Success
About this event
Join four leading genetic genealogy experts for an exciting DNA Day seminar. Discover how to transform your family history research using the power of all three DNA testing types: Autosomal DNA, Y-DNA, and mitochondrial DNA. Plus, learn how to run your own DNA project at Family Tree DNA.
Don't miss this excellent opportunity to learn from these highly respected educators: Blaine Bettinger, Jim Brewster, Mags Gaulden, and David Vance.
This seminar is a ZOOM ONLY event. It includes four 1-hour sessions, with 10-minute breaks and a 45-minute lunch break between sessions.
SESSION DESCRIPTIONS
Session 1: Using Y-DNA to Explore Paternal Ancestry – Dave Vance - 9:10 am
DNA testing to find clues to one's ancestry is perhaps the most exciting new development to hit genealogy since the invention of the census. Y-DNA testing can explore a paternal line from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of years. But, until recently, its use for genealogy has largely been masked behind complex test results.
Join Dave Vance, acclaimed Y-DNA expert, as he lays out the most important concepts and techniques for understanding Y-DNA and researching paternal ancestry, including:
- Y-DNA Basics and inheritance patterns
- Choosing the right Y-DNA test
- Interpreting test results and haplogroups
- Recent improvements in Y-DNA tools that are making it easier than ever to study your paternal line.
Session 2: Using mtDNA to Explore Maternal Ancestry – Mags Gaulden - 10:20 am
Join expert genealogist Mags Gaulden to discover how mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) testing can enhance your family history research. Mags will also guide you through the process of interpreting your mtDNA results and applying them to your genealogical challenges. Gain insights into your direct maternal line that go far beyond traditional records.
In this engaging session, you'll learn:
- How mtDNA is passed down through the generations
- Techniques for incorporating mtDNA results into your research
- How recent improvements in mtDNA tools promise to shed new light on matrilineal research
Session 3: Harnessing the Full Power of Shared Matching – Blaine Bettinger - 12:05 pm
Shared matching is the most powerful tool that DNA testing companies provide. It allows us to view connections between matches. It also provides clues about how we are related to these matches and can generate invaluable clues to help solve genealogical mysteries. In this session Blaine will examine the benefits and limitations of shared matching, and how to use shared matching in your family history research.
Session 4: Collaborative Discovery: Family Tree DNA Group Projects - Jim Brewster - 1:15 pm
Join Jim Brewster to discover how Family Tree DNA group projects can revolutionize your genetic genealogy research. Group projects create opportunities for people to work together in exploring their common genetic heritage, and for administrators to collaborate deeply with people in their groups.
Learn about the different types of projects available and how to leverage them, and the powerful group tools offered by Family Tree DNA to uncover new insights into your family history.
David Vance
Dave Vance has been a genealogist for more than 35 years and active in genetic genealogy since 2005. He is the author of “The Genealogist’s Guide to Y-DNA Testing for Genetic Genealogy: Second Edition” published in 2024. Dave is also the author of the SAPP tool for Y-DNA phylogenetic trees and the editor for the Journal of Genetic Genealogy.
He is the administrator for the Vance surname project, co-admin for the R1b-L513 haplogroup project, as well as the president and DNA advisor for the Vance Family Association, a traditional genealogy surname association.
Mags Gaulden
Mags Gaulden is a Professional Genealogist specializing in Genetic Genealogy and is the founder of Grandmas Genes in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
She is also the founder of mitoYDNA.org, a free and accessible YDNA and mtDNA database. As a sought-after international speaker and workshop coordinator, Mags shares her expertise on a range of topics related to genetic genealogy and family history research. Her talks are known for their easy flow of technical terminology and knowledge, combined with a down-home, relaxed, and humorous style that connects with audiences.
Mags is a member of the Association of Professional Genealogists and the International Society of Genetic Genealogy, among other organizations.
Blaine Bettinger
Blaine Bettinger, Ph.D., J.D., is a professional genealogist specializing in DNA evidence and the use of artificial intelligence for genealogical research. He is the author of the long-running blog The Genetic Genealogist, and frequently gives presentations and webinars to educate others about the use of DNA and artificial intelligence.
Blaine has instructed genetic genealogy courses at the Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research (IGHR), Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), and Virtual Institute of Genealogical Research.
Jim Brewster
Jim Brewster has been working in the field of genetic genealogy since 2014 with FamilyTreeDNA. Starting in customer service, Jim worked for several years on the Group Projects Team and now focuses on customer education. Jim is a frequent conference speaker where he enjoys sharing his passion for genealogy.
Jim holds a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with an emphasis in North American prehistory and archaeology from Northern Arizona University. He is the genealogist for his family and teaches classes regularly in both traditional and genetic genealogy. Jim has had a lifelong passion for understanding the history of the human family in anthropological and genealogical terms, which intersects in genetic genealogical research and his present career at FamilyTreeDNA.
Videoconference information will be provided in an email once registration is complete.
Event Coordinator(s)
Mark D Thompson
Seminar Coordinator
Registration Info
Registration is required
Payment In Full In Advance Only
This is a ZOOM ONLY event. All payments are in Canadian $.
Event reminder emails will be sent to registrants prior to the event.
Please arrive 15 minutes early to get settled, so the event can start on time.
Registration cancellations will be accepted until Thursday, April 24, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Capacity
90 Total Slots
89 Available Slot(s)
Number of People Who Will Attend
If you are a member, please log in to access additional, potentially lower registration fee options.
Search for your information - enter the following
* This can be your primary registrant type. Only one primary registrant type is allowed per registration.
Invalid Quantity
Register Now